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Overview and main events
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Charles III. Overview and main events
Overview and main events
King Charles III, born Charles Philip Arthur George on November 14, 1948, is the current monarch of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms. As the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles has been under public scrutiny his entire life. Here is a timeline of significant events and milestones in his life.
November 14, 1948
Birth
King Charles III was born at Buckingham Palace in London to Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was christened on December 15, 1948, in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Geoffrey Fisher.
February 6, 1952
Mother's Accession to the Throne
Following the death of his grandfather, King George VI, Charles's mother was proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II. At the age of three, Charles became the heir apparent to the British throne.
1958
Prince of Wales
Charles was formally invested as the Prince of Wales, a title traditionally given to the eldest son of the British monarch. This title marked the beginning of his formal role in the royal family.
1970-1971
Education and Military Career
Charles attended the University of Cambridge, becoming the first heir apparent to graduate from college. He then embarked on a military career, serving in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, where he learned to fly jet planes and commanded the HMS Bronington.
1981
Marriage to Lady Diana Spencer
Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, who became the Princess of Wales. They had two sons, Prince William (born 1982) and Prince Harry (born 1984), before divorcing in 1996.
2005
Marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles
Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, who became the Duchess of Cornwall. This marriage marked a new chapter in his personal life after the death of his first wife, Diana.
September 8, 2022
Accession to the Throne
Following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles ascended to the throne at the age of 73, becoming the oldest person to assume the British throne. He also became the head of the Commonwealth of Nations.
September 9, 2022
Inaugural Address
In a televised speech, King Charles III paid tribute to his mother’s life and pledged to uphold the Constitutional principles of the nation. He also conferred the title of Prince of Wales upon his eldest son, William.
May 6, 2023
Coronation
King Charles III was crowned in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey, marking the first coronation in seven decades. The coronation included a multifaith element to reflect the religious diversity of the modern United Kingdom.
2023 (following coronation)
Health Issues
It was announced that King Charles III had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, adding a new health dimension to his reign.
